Radon poses silent threat

January 30, 2014

By

Amy Cherry

Photo submitted
Wally Hanes is shown next to a radon mitigation system which he installed. January marks National Radon Action Month during which homeowners are encouraged to have their homes tested for the dangerous gas.

With elevated levels of radon affecting almost half of Pennsylvania homes and being the second leading cause of lung cancer in the state, residents are encouraged now more than ever to have their homes tested for the colorless, odorless, radioactive gas.
Wally Hanes of Hanes H.C.R., LLC in St. Marys, is DEP-certified in radon mitigation and said 50 percent or higher of homes in the Elk County area have tested positive for radon. He has found readings from as high as 175 pCi/L in Johnsonburg down to 1 pCi/L with levels being elevated north of Elk County toward Kane.